Alert System for Detecting Rising Water Levels

ABSTRACT

A portable, self-contained flood alarm which alleviates the shortcomings of the alarms of the prior art and offers an easy-to-use and reliable flood and water level alarm which will adequately warn users of potential flood conditions and possibly save their personal belongings, equipment and lives.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. Utility patent applicationSer. No. 13/586,565, filed Aug. 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to the field of water level alert and flooddetector systems. Specifically, this disclosure is related to simple,lightweight, portable water level detectors that can be permanently orremoveably attached to any surface or terrain, the system providing awarning should the water reach a predetermined and potentially dangerouslevel.

2. Description of Related Art

There are few places on Earth where people need not be concerned aboutflooding. Any place where rain falls is vulnerable, although rainfall isnot the only cause of flooding. Floods and the water damage caused byflooding are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters andcan develop in a myriad of different ways. One common way floods occuris when rivers or streams overflow their banks from excessive rain, aruptured dam or levee, or rapid ice melt.

While some floods can develop over hours or days, giving individualssome time to prepare or evacuate, others, commonly known as “flashfloods,” can develop quickly and without warning. These flash floods canbe extremely dangerous, and often are marked by a dangerous wall ofroaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris.

The moving water which results from floods has awesome destructivepower. Usually structures are poorly equipped to withstand flood water'sstrength. In extreme cases, bridges, houses, trees and cars can bepicked up and carried off, personal possessions and property can bedestroyed, and even animals and individuals can be harmed. For example,in the United States floods do approximately about 6 billion dollars'worth of damage and kill about 140 people every year.

Because of the danger to lives and property posed by flooding, there isa need for a simple, lightweight, portable flood alert and alarm systemthat can activate a warning means to notify an individual prior to apotentially disastrous or dangerous flood. Such an alarm system wouldgive individuals sufficient warning to vacate a potentially dangerousflood area and move their personal possessions and property to a saferand more secure area. Stated differently, there is a need for a portabledevice that can be moved and utilized in homes, on camping trips, or atany location where there is a possibility of flooding so thatindividuals in the area of the potential flood can be warned within asufficient amount of time so as to protect and move themselves and theirvaluables.

While there are a number of devices available for warning of the onsetof a flood in areas prone to flooding, many of these devices areproblematic. First, many of these devices are not lightweight or easilyportable. Accordingly, it can be cumbersome and unwieldy to transportand place the detectors in at-risk flood areas. In addition, many ofthese devices are expensive and/or have a complex structure that isdifficult to understand, set-up, and program. Another problem with thesedevices currently utilized in the art is that they often malfunction.Many of these devices are float-based systems. Typically, these floatsystems detect a rising level of water, or some other liquid, and soundan alarm to alert others of the rising liquid condition. In some ofthese systems, the buoyant floats contain a sensor which, when raised orotherwise moved by the presence of flood water, closes an electricalcircuit when it reaches a certain predefined point, thereby engaging thealarm. The problems with these sensor float activated systems can benumerous. First, water present in the flood situation can impair orshort circuit the electrical circuit. In these situations, even if thefloat is raised and an alarm should be triggered, no alarm will soundbecause the circuit will not be completed. This damage generally rendersthe device useless. Second, in addition to water damage, debris or otherdetritus in the flood water can become stuck to the float or thecircuit. This debris can catch the float, preventing it from moving withthe rising flood waters, or it can become caught in the sensor orcircuit, preventing a complete connection and sounding of the alarm.Finally, many of these systems are either constructed to alert forgradual flooding or flash flooding, they do not adequately monitor andalert a user to either type of flooding. Thus, these currently utilizedsystems are susceptible to damage and being put out of commission byexcessive flooding.

Accordingly, there is a need for the development of a portable,self-contained flood alarm which alleviates the shortcomings of thealarms of the prior art and offers an easy-to-use and reliable flood andwater level alarm which will adequately warn users of potential floodconditions and possibly save their personal belongings, equipment, andlives. The device and system disclosed herein achieves its intendedpurposes, objectives, and advantages over the prior art through a new,useful, and nonobvious combination of component elements, which issimple to use, contains a minimum number of functioning parts, iseconomical to manufacture and assemble, and is not as susceptible to theproblems inherent to the structure and design of the flood warningsystems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, amongother things, is a portable, self-contained flood alarm which alleviatesthe shortcomings of the alarms of the prior art and offers aneasy-to-use and reliable flood and water level alarm which willadequately warn users of potential flood conditions and possibly savetheir personal belongings, equipment, and lives.

In one embodiment disclosed herein, the self-contained flood alarm iscomprised of an alert device for detecting rising water levels, thealert device comprising: a weighted base plate; a main body having ananterior end and a posterior end, a length therebetween and a hollowinterior, the posterior end of the main body being attached to the baseplate and positioned approximately vertically therefrom; a stabilizingrod having an anterior end and a posterior end and a lengththerebetween, the posterior end of the stabilizing rod being attached tothe base plate and extending approximately vertically therefrom into theinterior of the main body; a float, the float being moveably attached tothe stabilizing rod smaller in diameter than the main body; a waterlevel rod having an anterior end and a posterior end and a lengththerebetween, the float being attached to the water level rod at or nearits posterior end and the water level rod extending approximatelyvertically therefrom into the interior of the main body; and an alarmassembly located at or within the anterior end of the main body, thealarm assembly having an activation mechanism.

In one embodiment of the alert device it is contemplated that the mainbody is perforated.

In another embodiment of the alert device, it is contemplated that theanterior end of the main body will be attached to the base plate via anattachment methodology that creates a space between the posterior end ofthe main body and the base plate, thereby allowing for rising floodwaters to enter and leave the hollow interior of the main body.

In yet another embodiment of the alert device, it is contemplated thatthe water level rod is adjustably attached to the float.

In still another embodiment of the alert device, it is contemplated thatthe activation mechanism of the alarm assembly will be activated whenrising water causes the float and the attached water level rod to riseapproximately vertically along the path of the stabilizing rod withinthe main body until the anterior end of the water level rod comes intocontact with the activation mechanism of the alarm assembly, therebyactivating the alarm assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the alert device further comprises at leastonce PVC coupling, a grate and a cap, wherein the at least one PVCcoupling is connected to the posterior end of the main body, the grateis locate within the coupling, the alarm assembly is located within thePVC coupling and the cap seals the interior of the main body and atleast one PVC coupling.

In another embodiment of the alarm assembly it is contemplated that thedevice will be portable. In an embodiment of this portable alarmassembly, it is contemplated that the device will be further comprisedof a handle, the handle being located somewhere on the external surfacearea of the device.

In still another embodiment of the alarm assembly, it is contemplatedthat the assembly will be further comprised of a door in the main body,the door allowing a user access to the hollow interior of the main body.

Finally, in another embodiment of the alarm assembly, it is contemplatedthat the device is permanent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the small,portable, lightweight flood warning device described herein.

FIG. 2 provides a side perspective view of an embodiment of the small,portable, lightweight flood warning device described herein.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the component parts of anembodiment of the small, portable, lightweight flood warning devicedescribed herein.

FIG. 4 provides a cut-through view of an embodiment of the small,portable, lightweight flood warning device described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 provides a prospective view of a diagram of an embodiment of theportable rising water alert device described herein. FIG. 4 provides acut-through of an embodiment of the portable water alert devicedescribed herein. As depicted therein, the portable rising water alertdevice (101) generally consists of the following components: a standingbase plate (102); a main body (103); a float (104); a stabilizing rod(105); a water level rod (106); and an alarm assembly (108).

Generally, in a simplified embodiment, the portable rising water alertdevice (101) is assembled and functions as follows. The main body (103)of the portable rising water alert device (101) is generally any hollowpipe with an anterior end (201) and a posterior end (202) and a lengththerebetween. It is contemplated that the main body (103) may becomprised of any material known to those of ordinary skill in the artsuch as metals, plastic, wood, etc. In one embodiment, the main body(103) will be comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Further, thedimensions of the main body (103) are not determinative. In oneembodiment it is generally contemplated that the height of the main body(103) in the permanent version of the device will be taller than theheight of the main body (103) in the portable version of the device. Forexample, in one embodiment the height of the main body (103) in theportable embodiment will be no more than about 24 inches tall and theheight of the main body (103) in the stationary embodiment will be nomore than about 40 inches tall. Generally, this discrepancy in heightwill make the shorter main body (103) version generally more portableand easier to carry than the permanent version. Similarly, while thediameter of the main body (103) is not determinative, the diameter willgenerally be large enough to allow for the free and unobstructedmovement of the float (104) in a vertical manner along the water levelrod (106) and the stabilizing rod (105) therein. For example, in apreferred embodiment the diameter of the main body (103) will be largeenough in diameter to ensure that the edges of the float (104) do notcome into contact with the main body (103). In one embodiment, asdepicted in FIGS. 1-4, the main body (103) will be about 4 inches indiameter. Moreover, as depicted in FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment the mainbody will be perforated. In this embodiment, the perforation will assistin the ingress and egress of liquid into and out of the interior of themain body (103). This embodiment will be particularly helpful ininstances of flash flooding by providing for multiple access points forthe sudden rush of water to enter and leave the device (101).

As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the posterior end (202) of the main body (103)will be attached to a base plate (102). The base plate (102), as definedherein, may include any base plate or flat stand known to those ofordinary skill in the art that can act as a stabilizing platform for themain body (103) attached thereto. As such any material (e.g., metal,wood, plastic, etc.) and any shape (e.g., circle, square, rectangle,polygon) is contemplated for the base plate described herein. In apreferred embodiment, the base plate (102) will be weighted. With aweighted base plate (102) the device (101) will not need to be stakeddown or otherwise attached to the ground to protect it from falling overor becoming otherwise incapacitated during a rush of flood waters. Thisminimalization of component parts—i.e., the device does not need to bestaked down or otherwise attached to the ground to properly function isa benefit in the portable version of the device (101) wheresimplification of the device (101) is desirable. In one embodiment, asdepicted in the FIGS., the base plate will be a square metal base platethat has a larger surface area than the circumference of the main body(103)—i.e., the posterior end (202) of the main body (103) will fitwithin the surface area of the base plate (102). Generally, any form ofattachment, either permanent or temporary, known to those of ordinaryskill in the art for attaching a main body (103) to a base plate (102)is contemplated. Such attachment mechanisms include, but are not limitedto soldering, screwing, pinning and clipping. For example, in theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the main body (103) will be screwedinto the base plate (102). This form of attachment of the base plate(102) to the main body (103) creates an easily removable bottom for thedevice (101). Notably, in a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS.1-4, the main body (103) is attached to the base plate in such a mannerto create an opening or gap in between the base plate (102) and theposterior end (202) of the main body (103) such that rising flood watercan enter into and leave the interior hollow space of the main body(103) through this opening. In one embodiment of the base plate (102)depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the base plate (102) will have one or more holesat or near the perimeter of the base plate (102). In this embodiment, apeg or some other form of attaching device will be utilized with theholes to more firmly attach the base plate (102) to the ground or othersurface upon which it rests. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1-4, it is contemplated that ground pegs or stakes will be used inconjunction with the base plate (102) to attach the base plate (102) tothe ground.

In addition to the main body (103), it is also contemplated that thestabilizing rod (105) will be attached to the base plate (102). Thestabilizing rod (105) is a rod attached to the base plate (102) andextending vertically therefrom into the hollow interior of the Main body(103), terminating at a distance at or near the anterior end (201) ofthe main body (103). The stabilizing rod (105) functions as a stabilizerfor the moveable float (104) of the device, defining the path alongwhich the moveable float (104) will travel inside the main body (103).Thus, the stabilizing rod (105) generally prevents the float (104) fromturning, wedging or otherwise becoming jammed inside the main body(103)—it allows the float (104) to float freely and stay flat.

Generally, the dimensions of the stabilizing rod are not determinative.Any sized or shaped rod comprised of a material known to those ofordinary skill in the art that can: a) be attached in a manner to thebase plate (102); b) can fit inside the length of the main body (103);and c) can be attached to the float (104) so that the float can freelytravel its length is contemplated for this device (101). In oneembodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the stabilizing rod will becomprised of a ½″ inch hollow PVC pipe. Further, any form of attachment,either permanent or temporary, for the stabilizing rod (105) to the baseplate (102) is contemplated for the device (101). For example, thestabilizing rod (105) may be soldered, pinned, clipped or screwed intothe base plate (102). In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, thestabilizing rod (105) is a hollow PVC pipe which is attached to the baseplate (102) via a hole in the base plate (102) and an insert plug.Finally, in the embodiment of the stabilizing rod (105) in which the rodis hollow, the terminating end of the stabilizing rod (105) (i.e., theend of the stabilizing rod (105) opposite to the end attached to thebase plate (102)) will be topped with a cap or some other pluggingmethodology.

The float (104) of the device (101) may be comprised of any float (104)mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similar to othercomponent parts of the device (101), the dimensions of the float (104)and the materials which comprise the float (104) are not determinative.Generally, the float (104) may be comprised of any material known tothose of ordinary skill in the art which will float on top of a risingliquid, specifically water. Further, the dimensions of the float (104)may take any shape so long as the float (104) is able to freely travelwithin the main body (103) along the length of the stabilizing rod (105)with an influx of rising flood water that comes into the interior of themain body (103) during the time of a flood situation. In a preferredembodiment, the float (104) will not touch the edges of the main body(103)—there will be a space between the float (104) and the main body(103). This preferred embodiment allows for water to flow into thedevice in a flood situation from both above and below the float (104)—astructure that is extremely desirable in flash flood situations wherewater rushing into the currently utilized float-based systems in the artcan jam the float or otherwise render the device inoperable. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4 in which the main body(103) is comprised of a 4 inch diameter pipe, the float (104) may becomprised of circular float device that is generally 2 inches indiameter, creating a 1 inch space between all sides of the float (104)and the main body (103). The float (104) of the device (101) will beattached via a two pole system; i.e., it will be attached to both astabilizing rod (105) and a water level rod (106). As noted previouslyin this application, the float (104) will be threadably attached to thestabilizing rod (105) in a manner that allows the float to freely travelthe length of the stabilizing rod (105) with the ingress and egress ofwater into and out of the main body (103). In the embodiment of thedevice (101) depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the float (104) has a hole throughit that is greater in diameter than the diameter of the stabilizing rod(105) and the float (104) is threaded onto the stabilizing rod (105) viathis hole. Further, in the embodiment of the device (101) depicted inFIGS. 1-4, the float (104) has a second hole through it for attachmentof the water level rod (106) to the float (104). Although the size ofthese two attachment holes in this embodiment of the float (104) is notdeterminative, in one embodiment the stabilizing hole will be about 2½inches and the flexible rod hole will be about ¼ inches.

Another component of the device (101) which is attached to the float(104) is the water level rod (106). The water level rod (106) is a rodwith an anterior end (301) and a posterior end (302) and a lengththerebetween which is either permanently or adjustably attached to thefloat (104). The posterior end (302) of the water level rod (106) willbe attached to the float (104). In the embodiment in which theattachment is adjustable, it is contemplated that the water level rod(106) will be attached to the float (104) at or near its posterior end(302). This flexible mode of attachment allows for the length of thewater level rod (106) extending vertically from the float (104) to thetop of the main body (103) to be changed and adjusted, thereby allowinga user to modify the flood water level at which a warming alarm would beactivated. In one embodiment in which the form of attachment between thewater level rod (106) and the float (104) is adjustable, the water levelrod (106) will be attached to the float (104) via a washer and nut formof moveable attachment. Once the adjustable water level rod (106) isattached in this embodiment, the rod (106) will become stationary withregard to the float (104). Generally, the higher the float (104) isattached along the length of the adjustable water level rod (106), thehigher a flood event that occurs will need to be to trigger the alarm.

The anterior end (301) of the water level rod (106) will be the portionof the device (101) that generally enacts the alarm assembly (108).Thus, depending upon the requirements needed for the activation of thealarm assembly (108) in a particular embodiment, the anterior end (301)of the water level rod (106) may be comprised of a metal cap or othermetal connection device (if a circuit needs to be completed for alarmactivation) or a plastic cap or finger (if a button or switch needs tobe punched or switched for activation of the alarm assembly (108)). Forexample, in an embodiment of the device (101) where a circuit needs tobe completed for the alarm to be activated, a metal cap will be locatedon the anterior end (301) of the water level rod (106). In thisembodiment, as the flood waters rise and the float is raised along thelength of the stabilizing rod (105) within the main body (103), theanterior end (301) of the of the water level rod (106) willcorrespondingly rise until the time at which the metal cap located atthe anterior end (301) of the water level rod (106) comes into contactwith an open circuit of the alarm assembly (108) and, upon contact,completes the circuit and activates the alarm assembly (108). Stateddifferently, in this embodiment the metal cap or tip of the water levelrod (106) will connect the metal tabs allowing the circuit to complete,resulting in alarm activation. In other embodiments where circuitcompletion is not required to activate the alarm, the rising floodwaters will raise the anterior end (301) of the water level rod (106) toa point at which it comes into contact with a button, switch or someother activation methodology on the alarm assembly (108) which will, inturn, generally complete the circuit and activate the alarm system,notifying individuals in the surrounding area of the impending floodsituation. In some embodiments of the device (101), the anterior end(301) of the water level rod (106) will have to travel through a grate,hole, slot or device of similar filtering and stabilizing constructionprior to activating the alarm assembly (108) and to provide for avertical movement without horizontal shifting which could result in thealarm not being triggered. The purpose of this component of the device(101) will be to filter out debris or other refuge which could belocated in the water and could short circuit, jam or otherwise impedethe activation of the alarm assembly (108). Further, this componentserves to stabilize the water level rod (106) prior to coming intocontact with the activation methodology on the alarm assembly (108),stabilizing the rod (106) and preventing it from tipping sideways orotherwise missing the activation methodology. In these embodiments it iscontemplated that the anterior end (301) of the water level rod (106)will be sized and shaped in such a manner so as to travel through thegrate or other filtering structure without being impeded by the filter.

The final component of the disclosed device (101) is an alarm assembly(108). Generally, any known alarm assembly which is capable ofactivation through mechanical means and emits a warning sign such as asound or light when activated is contemplated in the device (101)described herein. For example, one contemplated alarm assembly (108) tobe utilized in the device (101) is a commercial smoke alarm. Asmentioned briefly previously in this application, the alarm assembly(108) will be attached at or to the anterior (201) end of the main body(103). In one embodiment, the alarm assembly (108) will fit within themain body (103) near its anterior end (201). In another embodiment, thealarm assembly (108) will be permanently attached to the anterior end(201) of the main body (103) via an attachment methodology known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Further, in another embodiment, thealarm assembly (108) will be attached to the anterior end (201) of themain body (103) via a series of couplings and housings. For example, asshown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the alarm assembly (108)will fit within about a 4 inch PVC collar and about a 4 inch threadedcollar which are placed on about the 4 inch main body (103). In theembodiment of the device (101) in which a grate is utilized, the gratewill be placed before the alarm assembly (108) (i.e., closer to theposterior end (202) of the main body (103)) between the PVC collar.

Alternative supplemental components of the disclosed device (101) whichcould be utilized in alternative embodiments include a door on thesurface area of the main body (103) which would allow a user easy accessto the internal portion of the main body (103) such that a user couldeasily adjust the height of the water level rod (106) and, thus, theheight of rising water at which the alarm assembly (108) would beactivated. Another supplemental component of the disclosed device (101)will be a threaded cap which will close off the top of the main body(103) and/or the housing and coupling attached to the anterior end (201)of the main body (103). In certain embodiments, the cap or lid may havean opening therein which would allow for water to leave the interior ofthe main body (103). It is also contemplated that in certain embodimentsa handle mechanism will be attached to the device (101) to facilitatethe movement of the device (101) from one location to another locationin its portable embodiments. Depending upon the embodiment, this handlemay be located on the side of the main body (103) or at the top of themain body (103) on the cap or lid. Another contemplated supplementalcomponent in different embodiments is one or more oversized clamps thatwill connect the water level rod (106) and the stabilizing rod (105).

In some, the portable lightweight flood warning device (101) describedherein is a lightweight reliable inexpensive flood warning device whichsolves many of the problems inherent to the devices of the prior artwhile retaining the ability to warn the occupants of a room, building orremote place of the damage of rising water before any equipment or goodsare submerged in the flood, thereby saving lives and money. Inparticular, the device (101) described herein is distinguished from thefloat-based device of the prior art by its structure which isolates theelectronics associated with the alarm assembly (108) and keeps them awayfrom rising flood water and debris—protecting the device from themalfunctions that are currently associated with these devices in theart.

While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a descriptionof certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed tobe the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to beillustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein areencompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations ofthe described embodiments may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. An alert device for detecting rising water levels, the alert devicecomprising: a weighted base plate; a main body having an anterior endand a posterior end, a length therebetween and a hollow interior, theposterior end of the main body being attached to the base plate andpositioned approximately vertically therefrom; a stabilizing rod havingan anterior end and a posterior end and a length therebetween, theposterior end of the stabilizing rod being attached to the base plateand extending approximately vertically therefrom into the interior ofthe main body; a float, the float being moveably attached to thestabilizing rod smaller in diameter than the main body; a water levelrod having an anterior end and a posterior end and a lengththerebetween, the float being attached to the water level rod at or nearits posterior end and the water level rod extending approximatelyvertically therefrom into the interior of the main body; and an alarmassembly located at or within the anterior end of the main body, thealarm assembly having an activation mechanism.
 2. The alert device ofclaim 1 wherein the main body is perforated.
 3. The alert device ofclaim 1 wherein the anterior end of the main body is attached to thebase plate via an attachment methodology that creates a space betweenthe posterior end of the main body and the base plate, thereby allowingfor rising flood waters to enter and leave the hollow interior of themain body.
 4. The alert device of claim 1 wherein the water level rod isadjustably attached to the float.
 5. The alert device of claim 1 whereinthe activation mechanism of the alarm assembly is activated when risingwater causes the float and the attached water level rod to riseapproximately vertically along the path of the stabilizing rod withinthe main body until the anterior end of the water level rod comes intocontact with the activation mechanism of the alarm assembly, therebyactivating the alarm assembly.
 6. The alarm assembly of claim 1 whereinthe device is portable.
 7. The alarm assembly of claim 6 wherein thedevice is further comprised of a handle, the handle being locatedsomewhere on the external surface area of the device.
 8. The alarmassembly of claim 1 further comprised of a door in the main body, thedoor allowing a user access to the hollow interior of the main body.